Over the past five years, the HRVCC has transformed from a grassroots network into a regional economic force focused on connecting veteran entrepreneurs with mentorship, capital access, supplier diversity opportunities, education and strategic business relationships. Its mission is rooted in a simple but powerful philosophy: when veterans succeed in business, communities prosper.

“What makes our mission unique is that we are not just supporting veteran businesses — we are building a complete ecosystem around them,” said Dave Weaver, president and CEO of the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce. “Veterans already possess leadership, discipline and mission-focused execution. Our role is to connect them to the infrastructure, partnerships and opportunities necessary to thrive in the private sector. Houston is proving this model works, and it can become a blueprint for the nation.”

A highly visible example of the ecosystem’s success is Bryant Coronado, founder of Maps Flowers, LLC, who was recently named the 2026 Houston District Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year during National Small Business Week. Coronado, a U.S. Army veteran, built his company by combining military leadership principles with operational systems, customer service excellence and digital business strategy.

“The Army taught me how to lead under pressure and complete the mission,” Coronado said. “In business, the mission is the customer.”

Coronado credits a network of collaborative organizations for helping Maps Flowers scale, including HRVCC, SCORE Houston, PeopleFund, Wallis Bank and TiE Houston. Through mentorship, capital assistance and strategic guidance, the company evolved from a growing startup into an award-winning veteran-owned business recognized across the Houston region.

The HRVCC has also gained traction through partnerships with educational institutions and entrepreneurship initiatives, including the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Leadership programs developed alongside local colleges and universities. The programs provide veterans with business education, leadership development and investor pitch opportunities supported by corporate partners such as Wallis Bank and the McNair Center for Entrepreneurship.

Since its founding, the HRVCC has expanded its reach through major regional partnerships, Veterans Business Marketplace events, supplier diversity initiatives and national advocacy efforts highlighting Houston’s veteran business community as a scalable economic development model. The organization’s leadership believes the next phase of growth will require broader public and private sector engagement.

The chamber encourages corporations, lenders, community leaders and consumers nationwide to support veteran-owned businesses through procurement opportunities, mentorship, sponsorships and strategic collaboration.

“Small businesses do not grow in isolation,” Weaver said. “They grow when communities intentionally build the support systems around them. That is exactly what we are doing in Houston, and the results speak for themselves.”

For membership information, sponsorship opportunities or upcoming events, visit www.hrvcc.org, email avaladez@hrvcc.org or call 713-560-3348.